|
Our
little island has, of late, been very much like Palestine was in
the early days of Christianity wherein folk of diverse lineage
and skin colour have dwelt. At that time there were found people
from all branches of the human race. The eunuch from the line of
Ham; Saul of Tarsus from the line of Shem; and Cornelius from
the line of Japheth. Then, too, the Lord found men who were
ready to ‘go and tell’ these people the good news of Christ
who died for the ungodly and who had been raised from the dead.
Philip, Ananias and Peter were all available for that purpose:
their hearts were in such close touch with the Lord that they
received their marching orders from Him and followed them with
instant and glad obedience. What happy results followed in each
case.
The
lesson is plain. It is for writer and reader to look well to the
state of our souls, and to permit nothing to come between
ourselves and the Lord. Then we shall ‘know His will’ and
then we shall be ‘willing to do’ it.
Some
may be told by the Lord to ‘go home’ and tell their friends:
some may be bidden to go a few miles to a Caesarea, not far off:
others may be as Paul was, sent to another continent. The
sending of the servant is the prerogative of the Lord: He will
choose the time and place, but He only chooses those who have
been ready to ‘begin at Jerusalem’ or to ‘serve at Antioch’.
To run unsent is to court disappointment to ourselves and worse,
displeasure to Him. To choose our own sphere is to usurp His
prerogative.
‘Whom
shall I send?’ demonstrates that He elects His workmen. ‘Who
will go for us?’ indicates that He restricts Himself to those
who are ready to respond to His call.
May
we all be ready to say, irrespective of what He may thereafter
direct, ‘Lord, here am I; send me.’ To be chosen of Him is
itself a great honour, and to labour just where He directs is a
great joy.
|
